I tried to stay off of FB. I swear, I did. I tried to only look at pictures of cute kids and funny kitten pictures. But I have read too many statuses today that make me feel like I need to defend myself. In June, and again 3 weeks ago, Dan Cathy, the president of Chick-fil-a, made a statement. We’ve all heard it – and I don’t care to re-type what is all
over the news. While I disagree
with Mr. Cathy, I do not think he is “full of hate” or malicious. I
just think he is misinformed. But by the Grace of God, I was born in a
country where we are allowed to have, and express, our views, opinions
and interpretations. We are allowed to worship freely, interpret
scripture or tea-leaves or the stars or taro cards however we please.
USA! USA! USA! This public statement however, enlightened me to the
fact that Chick-fil-a, as a private company, has given millions of
dollars to organizations who actively oppose same-sex marriage. (they
lobby to prevent legislation allowing, or lobby to overturn legislation
allowing) the legal recognition of same-sex unions. Whatever your
religious views, they are irrelevant to the legal argument. (If we
allow the religion of the majority to dictate legislation, I may very
well be made to wear a burqa or denied the right to appear in public
without my male guardian, or maybe my unwanted female infant will be
buried alive. ) Religion aside, I do not understand all of these people
who say, “I have no problem with gay people.” Or “I have lots of gay
friends”. But what? They don’t deserve the same legal rights as you,
the God-fearing heterosexual? Do you or do you NOT believe in
protecting the rights of every individual? Not being able to be legally
recognized as “married” denies same-sex couples the benefits, rights,
and privileges provided by federal law to married couples. It is not
just a piece of paper. It is the right to filing your income tax as
“married” instead of single. leave your estate to your partner. The
right to share legal custody of a child you raise together. There are
tax and property and medical benefit implications to being “married”.
These rights may seem inconsequential to those of us who take them for
granted, but they are unjust. Imagine a person disowned by their
family, diagnosed with a terminal illness, nursed and cared for by their
life partner, and then after their death, that loved one - who so
faithfully loved and attended to their needs as they suffered
physically, is denied the rights of the next-of-kin. That person has no
legal standing in what is done with their partner’s remains, has no
legal claim to any of their property, estate, etc., and even if the
deceased individual left a will, can easily be challenged by the family,
because they are considered just a “lover”. Imagine that they raised a
child together, and the biological “family” swoops in and takes over
the guardianship and raising of the child – taking said child away from
the only living parent that they have ever known. Doesn’t pull your
heart or head strings? Wait till it happens to someone you love. So to
me, giving money to an organization that works to deny these rights to
anyone is bad. Ugly. Makes me want to NOT give them my money.
With that said, Cathy’s statements nor the company’s contributions “undo” all of the good that the Chick-fil-a company has done. Chick-fil-a is a remarkable company, who gives generously to many deserving organizations. They change lives. Truly, the company gives so much and invests greatly in the people who work for them and in the communities where they are located. Do I sound like I am talking out of both sides of my mouth? Well, maybe I am. Like most great organizations (countries, families, individuals, etc.) – there is good and bad. I wish this whole brew-ha-ha would insight conversation and questioning, and thoughtful dialogue, rather that making people act like A-holes. Good night.
With that said, Cathy’s statements nor the company’s contributions “undo” all of the good that the Chick-fil-a company has done. Chick-fil-a is a remarkable company, who gives generously to many deserving organizations. They change lives. Truly, the company gives so much and invests greatly in the people who work for them and in the communities where they are located. Do I sound like I am talking out of both sides of my mouth? Well, maybe I am. Like most great organizations (countries, families, individuals, etc.) – there is good and bad. I wish this whole brew-ha-ha would insight conversation and questioning, and thoughtful dialogue, rather that making people act like A-holes. Good night.
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